When it comes to radical acts of female empowerment, pet adoption probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. However, taking care of a pet inspires a feelings of responsibility and agency, which can be highly empowering. Women who adopt pets take charge of their care, feeding, and well-being. This sense of influence over another life can extend to other areas, uplifting women to take control of their own lives and decisions.
Women in Animal Welfare
Public interest in animal welfare began in the same time period as the women’s suffrage movement. Philanthropists like Caroline Earl White, founder of the first animal shelter in the United States, used their education and social influence to advocate for equality across all species and genders. Considering this, animal welfare and female activism have always gone hand-in-hand, an attitude that continues on today.
Tips for First-Time Pet Owners
Before adopting your first pet, ensure you have space in your home and the means to provide for your new pet’s needs, including food, toys, veterinary care, and grooming. You may want to consider paying for pet insurance. A typical policy will regular vet visits, treatments for acute conditions, and routine tests.
Also, it’s important to make sure that you have the time and patience to train your pet. Fortunately, you don’t have to be an expert animal trainer to be a good pet owner. Many rescues prioritize socializing and training the pets under their care to maximize their chances of getting adopted, which is an unexpected perk of adopting over shopping for your first pet.
Tips for First-Time Dog Owners
When you are considering a pet dog, research dog breeds to gain insight into the temperament, energy level, and specific needs of various dogs. For example, working dogs like corgis and Australian shepherds tend to be highly intelligent but highly energetic as a result.
Because of these characteristics, working dogs aren’t great for apartment living and do best in a home with a fenced yard. You should also note that in most jurisdictions, your dog is legally required to be on a leash in public places.
Tips for First-Time Cat Owners
Before bringing your first cat home, you should ensure that your home is ready for a cat. A litter box is absolutely required. If you have the space, you may want to get an additional litter box. Accidents are common with newly adopted cats as they adjust to their new home, but they may be be able to adapt quickly to litter boxes if there are multiple boxes available. If you have houseplants or flowers in your living space, take a moment to make sure they aren’t toxic to cats.
Other Ways to Empower Yourself
Feeling empowered is all in the mind, so taking care of your mental health is the first step in empowering yourself.
Surround yourself with a support system of friends and family members who share your core values, and prioritize experiences that continue to elevate your self-image, such as adopting a pet in need of a loving home. Ultimately, empowerment can be defined by your ability to inspire growth within yourself.
